Personal Thoughts and Ministry

Look to Jesus and Live

7/31/2013

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all My statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? (Ezekiel 18:20-23)

Our sIn separates us from our Holy and Righteous GOD. He is just and will punish the wicked, but takes no pleasure in doing so. He is not willing that any should perish. GOD wants people to repent and surrender to Him on His terms. He was patient and longsuffering with the Jews, and wanted them to turn from their wickedness and return to Him. Some did, for GOD always has a remnant of His people that are faithful. Most did not, and were destroyed or went into captivity never seeing their homeland again. Even some of the faithful never returned to Israel, for GOD had removed them from Judah, but they were content and trusted GOD would keep His promises to the nation. He did, He has, and He will.

Those of us who know Him, who have met Him and trust Jesus by faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary for our sIn, know that He loves us and has forgiven us. We have chosen His free gift of Salvation because of what He has and is doing in and for us. That is the Good News of the Gospel.

Jesus loves you and wants you to come to a knowledge of Him. He wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He does not want you to remain separated from Him by your sIn, but wants you to turn from your sIn and live at peace with Him. He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Believe in Him and receive Him by Faith today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

GOD is still in control and on His Throne.

7/30/2013

Moreover the Word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon; And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land: That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand. (Ezekiel 17:11-14)

GOD continues His pronouncement of Judgment upon Jerusalem. GOD is serious about sIn, and He is just in His judgments. He is also merciful that He does not destroy them all, but leaves a remnant. Some went into captivity and never returned to the land of Judah. Some stayed but never prospered. A few returned to the land after captivity, because GOD was faithful and kept His promise of deliverance.

The movements and campaigns of Babylon were all at the hand of GOD, who turns the hearts of kings whithersoever He wishes. We can trust that GOD is still in control of peoples, and nations, and kingdoms even today, and even those that reject Him. We must live, not as practical atheists ignoring GOD until we need Him, like He is our butler, or genie, but as sold out servants of the GOD who bought us with His blood. We must be about the Father's business of building His Kingdom, not in or of this world, but in the hearts of men. Sharing GOD's Word and telling the Good News of Jesus Christ is not an option, it is our commission, and a command for us to obey.

If you are not one of His, whose sIns are paid for by the Cross of Calvary, GOD calls you to repent. Surrender to Him on His terms and be born again. Stop living for yourself and let Jesus Christ give a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Jesus loves you and is not willing that you should perish but come to the knowledge of the Truth. He wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Believe in Him and receive His free gift of Salvation by Faith in His finished work today.

If you are a true child of GOD, testify to what GOD is doing in and for you today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

GOD is serious about sIn

7/29/2013

Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters. When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then will I bring again the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them: That thou mayest bear thine own shame, and mayest be confounded in all that thou hast done, in that thou art a comfort unto them. (Ezekiel 16:52-54)

GOD had a strong message of condemnation for the nation of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. He chastised the people for their idolatry and disobedience to His Law. Most of them had forgotten Him and forsaken His commandments. They had set up false worship places in the capital and practiced despicable abominations in the name of these false gods, even in the temple. GOD had had enough. He had reached the point where nothing would save the city, or the nation. Just as He had caused the Assyrians to overrun the northern nation of Israel, He would now bring the Babylonians to overthrow Judah and Jerusalem. Most would be captured and taken into captivity never to return, but many would die in their sIn. A remnant would be allowed to remain in Judah, and some would survive the captivity and return to Judah. Even in the midst of this national judgment, GOD showed mercy to those that were faithful to Him.

Today, the GOD who sets up and tears down nations at His will, continues to chastise those that are His, and to purify His Church. He also pronounces judgment on all nations that forget GOD. He has not changed. The GOD who provides deliverance from sIn to those that repent, cannot overlook the sins of the nations. He is merciful, and loving, but He is also just and righteous. Our Holy GOD must deal with sIn. In the world, in the nations, and in people. His provision for peace with Him is Jesus Christ and His finished work on the Cross of Calvary. Those that have received His free gift of Salvation by Faith in Him are secure in His arms to grow in grace and knowledge of Him. Those that have not, are still under condemnation and judgment for their sIn.

But, GOD is not willing that you should perish. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with Him that is real and personal. He wants you to surrender to Him on His terms and receive by Faith a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Believe He paid the sIn debt that you owe, and place your trust in Him for Salvation.

If you are one of His, warn those that are without of our soon coming King.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

His Word is Truth

7/26/2013

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD. And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD. Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter: (Eze 13:8-10)

GOD here condemns those that pretend to speak for Him, and yet are preaching smooth easy words of 'comfort' but without truth. He calls them out, and exposes their lies for the false hope that it is. Their false teachings have corrupted and seduced many Jews of this time to sIn and disobedience. They also preach peace, both physical and spiritual when GOD Himself has said otherwise. GOD has pronounced destruction on the city, and no amount of false comfort can alleviate His judgment on the city, the nation, and the people.

Today, we have many pastors and preachers telling the people what they want to hear, and not decrying sIn for what it is. They are preaching a false gospel, either because they have ignored sIn and judgment, or a false Jesus, for they remove His deity and His Authority as the Word made flesh. Denying either presents another Jesus, or another gospel, both of which are condemned strongly in the Scriptures. GOD calls those that speak for Him to be true to His Word and His character, and speak the Truth (in love, but speak the Truth) to one another in discipleship and to those that are lost for Salvation.

For those that don't know Jesus, understand that He is not willing that any should perish but wants you to come to the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants you to be born again into a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Surrender to Him on His terms and believe that His finished work on the Cross of Calvary paid the price for your sIn, and receive Him by Faith and His Salvation. GOD wants you to enter with Him into a covenant relationship that is real and personal.

If you are already one of His, be true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and share Him with those you meet.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Know that the Lord, He is GOD

7/25/2013

And they shall know that I AM the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries. But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I AM the LORD. Moreover the Word of the LORD came to me, saying, son of man, eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling and with carefulness; And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein. (Eze 12:15-19)

Ezekiel is commanded to do several things to demonstrate to the people of Jerusalem the judgment and captivity that is coming because of their sIn. Their Idolatry and rebellion had brought corruption of their princes and priests, and GOD has had enough. He is going to spoil the city, and destroy the temple. Even food and water will be scarce, but not completely gone. GOD is still merciful even in His judgment and wrath. He leaves some to be a testimony of who He is, and what He has done to them. They were to boldly proclaim to all who would hear of all their sIn and GOD's judgment and redemption.

We in the Church are also to proclaim the Word of the Lord. We are to call sIn, sIn and preach to all who will hear of the love and mercy of GOD, and also His wrath and judgment. Without Christ, we are all men most miserable, without any hope in this world. But, we have the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we must share this message of Hope with all those we meet, that they might believe and receive Him by faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary.

For, GOD is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to the knowledge of the Truth. The Truth that He is GOD, and He loves you so much that He went humbly and willingly to that Cross so that you might receive the forgiveness of your sIn and a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. He desires a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal, and calls you to surrender to Him on His terms. Believe and receive the Salvation that He freely offers you, today.

If you are already a child of GOD, tell others of our Lord and proclaim His wondrous works to all you meet.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

My sheep know My Voice and they follow Me.

7/24/2013

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be My people, and I will be their GOD. But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD. (Eze 11:17-21)

GOD has always had a remnant of obedient believers, and will always have people who are faithful to Him. In every age and dispensation He has had, and will have those that are obedient to the covenant He establishes with them by His Word. The 'faith hall of fame' in Hebrews 11 outlines some of these past figures and their faith. Revelation tells us of future saints and Jewish witnesses. He has a plan, there is no plan B, and He is always faithful to carry out His purposes.

Here GOD reminds Ezekiel that even though many are being destroyed for their sIn, and Idolatry, and more are in captivity in Babylon, GOD will deliver His own at the proper time. The Jews will one day be not only restored politically (as we have seen) but spiritually. They will return as a nation, to the GOD of Israel, who is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Then He will establish His Millennial Kingdom and rule His People.

Until that day, GOD has put His Spirit in us, His Church, that we would take His message of love, peace, and forgiveness to this lost and dying world that they might be saved. Our only responsibility in this world with eternal consequences, is to tell others of the Good News that Jesus, who is GOD in the flesh, paid their sIn debt on the Cross of Calvary, and discipling those that believe and receive Him by faith that they may also go and tell, as we all continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and are conformed to the image of His dear Son.

But, for those that are not born again, who have never truly surrendered to Him on His terms, you are still in your sIns and under condemnation. But, GOD is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to the knowledge of the Truth. The Truth that Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with Him that is real and personal. He wants you repent and by faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary receive a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting.
Believe His Word for Salvation today.

If you are truly of the People of GOD, be obedient to His commands and share Him with those you meet.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

GOD's Ministering spirits

7/23/2013

Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.
And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel. When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.
And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the GOD of Israel was over them above. (Ezekiel 10:3,10-11,14,19)

As GOD was showing Ezekiel what He was doing in the judgment of Jerusalem's rulers for their idolatry, He pulls back the curtain on the spiritual world just a bit and we see the angels who surround the Throne of GOD. The cherubs are not little children with even smaller wings as is so popularly portrayed in art. These angelic figures are imposing creatures who not only have several pairs of wings, but also eyes, wheels, hands, and faces that in this vision are not humanoid. They have faces which depict the character, nature and purpose of our Lord: The servant, The Son of Man, The King of Israel, and the Son of GOD. These angels who are always about the work of GOD, reflect in part the Glory of GOD.

Here, they lifting up the Throne as GOD departs from the Temple in Jerusalem, and then all of Judah. GOD has judged the Jews for their sIn, and is not only departing the house where He meets His people, but also pulling back His hand of protection and watchcare. It does not mean He has entirely discarded Judah, any more than He discarded Israel earlier. He always has a faithful remnant whom He cares for and will deliver through whatever He allows.

We in seeing Ezekiel's vision must remember that our GOD is Holy and is due our worship. He alone is worthy of our devotion, and our praise. When we forget Him, and act as practical atheists He is grieved. And like He did to Judah, He will chastise His own as His children. We will experience the consequences of our choices and our actions.

But for those that don't know Jesus, GOD is not willing that you should perish. He calls you to believe in Him and His finished work on the Cross of Calvary to pay for your sIn and the free gift of Salvation that He offers. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Place your faith in Him for forgiveness and be born again to a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship that is abundant and everlasting. Receive Him by Faith today.

GOD calls us to worship and adore Him, and tell others of His mercy and grace.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Judgment must begin at the House of GOD

7/22/2013

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others He said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. (Ezekiel 9:4-6)

GOD's judgment on Jerusalem began at the Temple, with those that had defiled her with worship of idols. But, in His mercy GOD had the angels mark those that were in sore distress over the abominations of the wicked, the nation, and the city. Those that were faithful and obedient were not destroyed, even though they would be taken into captivity. The wicked and idolatrous were consumed by the wrath of our GOD, who is a jealous GOD and will not share His glory. And lest you think He is being selfish, or vindictive, remember that GOD is Holy, and He alone is the true GOD, the Creator of the Universe. He alone is worthy of our worship and praise, and He has every right to demand our obedience.

The Church is called to be obedient, and be about our Father's business. We cannot be busy with ourselves, and trying to do our work, or even His work in our own power. GOD is going to clean house. He will only respond to those that truly seek Him. GOD, as a perfect Father, insists and chastises His own, but gives us our freedom to choose whether to obey or not.

There are consequences to our choices. If we choose Him, we choose Life, blessings, and freedom. If we reject His principles and obedience to His Authority, we receive death, curses, and captivity.
Captive to our sIn, curses and destruction, either now, or when GOD sends those that didn't choose Him in life, Death of our relationships and desires, and the second death that comes to those that reject GOD as their Saviour.

All those that don't know Jesus, who don't have a covenant relationship with Him by faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary are already condemned. But, GOD is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to the knowledge of the Truth. The Truth, from His Word, that He loves you, and wants you to choose Him and surrender to Him on His terms. Jesus loves you and wants you to be born again, and receive by Faith the new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that He wants to give you. Believe Him and His Word today.

If you are one of His, be obedient to His Word and tell others of His love and grace so they may choose Him.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

The remnant shall remain

7/19/2013

And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I AM the LORD. Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries. And they that escape of you shall remember Me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from Me, and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and they shall lothe themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations. And they shall know that I AM the LORD, and that I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them. (Ezekiel 6:7-10)

GOD always has a remnant of His people, either the faithful that remain, or as in this case because He preserved a portion of every tribe so that Israel would not pass from the pages of History as other nations did. We also know that in the last days, 12000 Jewish male virgins from each tribe will witness to the world for GOD. GOD sustains His people and preserves those that are His. He has a glorious plan that He will accomplish for the Jews, and for His Church. The Church has not totally replaced Israel as GOD's People, though currently His focus is on us as His Light bearers. When we are out of the way, He will once again turn His attention to the seed of Abraham, and all peoples will know that GOD is the Lord, and beside Him there is no other. They may not believe or obey, but they will know.

Until then, the Church has the responsibility to be salt and light to this lost and dying world. We are called, commanded, and commissioned to preach the Truth of GOD's Word with Authority, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and His sacrificial offering on the Cross of Calvary, and to teach the nations all of what Jesus taught us. We are to continue in daily discipleship with the Master, and learn of Him. We are to prayerfully and continually study His Word that we may rightly divide the Scriptures. And we are to love one another that the world may know of Him through us. It is not an option, and He will give us the strength to obey, if we seek Him.

While we who have been forgiven are free, those that don't know Jesus are still under condemnation. But, GOD is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to the knowledge of the Truth. The Truth that Jesus loves you, and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. He wants you to believe in Him, and be born again into a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Trust in His finished work and receive Him by faith, surrender to Him on His terms and He will accomplish in you all that He has promised.

Believe that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

Look to GOD and Live.

7/18/2013

Thus shall Mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause My fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken it in My zeal, when I have accomplished My fury in them. Moreover I will make thee waste, and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by. So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment unto the nations that are round about thee, when I shall execute judgments in thee in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I the LORD have spoken it. (Ezekiel 5:13-15)

GOD continues to chastise Judah and Jerusalem for their disobedience. GOD is long-suffering, but He didn't wait forever. There came a day when GOD was done with Judah and Jerusalem. He had already allowed the destruction and dispersal of the northern kingdom of Israel. He would soon send the people of Judah into captivity in Babylon. They would return because GOD is merciful and still cares about His people and allowed it. He has not forsaken the Jews, and even now He has plans for them.

While we are in the harvest period, GOD has called His Church to be His people and share His Gospel for Salvation. But He has not forgotten Israel, and there is coming a day when He is done with this world, and He takes His Church Home to be with Him, that He will once again turn His attention to the Jewish People and finish His work with them. He will try them sore, during the tribulation, but He will watch over them and protect them as well. Until that Day, GOD's People are to be about their Father's Business, reaching the lost and teaching the nations of His love, and the coming Judgment.

Right now GOD calls everyone to repent, to surrender to Him on His terms and be born again. He is not willing that any should perish, but wants you to know Him and receive by faith a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Jesus loves you, and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Trust in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary and believe in Him for Salvation today.

Trust and Obey GOD today.

In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

<<Previous